B.C. Lions’ Darnell Sankey fined for hit that injured Toronto QB Chad Kelly

Photo courtesy: Jeff Vinnick/B.C. Lions

B.C. Lions linebacker Darnell Sankey has been fined for a high hit on a sliding quarterback that injured Toronto’s Chad Kelly in Week 8.

The hit occurred on a five-yard scramble late in the second quarter of the Argos’ 26-12 victory over B.C. As the 32-year-old quarterback was chased by two defenders, he slid to end the play, and Sankey arrived late from his left side, appearing to deliver a shoulder to the pivot’s helmet as he went to the ground. Fellow linebacker Parker McKenna also flew in late from the front, though Sankey’s presence obstructed him from making more substantial contact.

Kelly’s neck appeared to bend awkwardly as a result of the hit, and he was seen clutching his helmet after the play. Trainers rushed onto the field to assess the former Most Outstanding Player, and he was escorted to the sidelines, where he was later ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He is not expected to miss any further time as a result of the injury.

After the game, Sankey told 3DownNation that he did not intend to injure Kelly on the play, which resulted in a penalty for roughing the passer. He also called out Toronto offensive lineman Peter Nicastro for what he deemed a “blatant cheap shot” in retribution, hitting him behind when he was already down on the ground.

Though Nicastro was penalized for unnecessary roughness during the ensuing scuffle, as was B.C. defensive back Ronald Kent Jr., neither player was assessed a fine. There were no other disciplinary actions announced for Week 8.

The CFL’s department of health, safety, and integrity manages league discipline involving fines. The committee includes chief football officer Greg Dick, vice-president of officiating Darren Hackwood, associate vice-president of football operations Ryan Janzen, and associate vice-president of health and safety Eric Noivo.

As per league policy, the league does not announce the dollar amount of fines, discipline related to dress code violations, discipline involving teams or staff, or discipline involving players who have been released. The maximum allowable fine under the collective bargaining agreement is half the value of a game cheque.

The B.C. Lions (1-5) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-3) at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday, July 30, with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT. The Lions lost a one-sided game to the Toronto Argonauts last week, while the Blue Bombers suffered a blowout defeat to the Calgary Stampeders.

The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 30 degrees and a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver or 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.